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A number of triumphs deliver double importance in the lesson they convey. Within the flood of weekend Test matches, it was Saturday night's result in the French capital that will linger longest across both hemispheres. Not just the end result, but the way the approach of victory. To say that the Springboks overturned a number of comfortable beliefs would be an oversimplification of the calendar.

Surprising Comeback

So much for the idea, for instance, that the French team would avenge the injustice of their World Cup quarter-final defeat. The belief that entering the last period with a slight advantage and an additional player would result in inevitable glory. Even in the absence of their talisman Antoine Dupont, they still had more than enough resources to keep the strong rivals at a distance.

Instead, it was a case of celebrating too soon too early. Initially behind on the scoreboard, the South African side with a player sent off concluded with registering 19 consecutive points, confirming their standing as a squad who more and more deliver their finest rugby for the toughest situations. If defeating the All Blacks by a large margin in September was a message, this was clear demonstration that the world’s No 1 side are building an even thicker skin.

Forward Dominance

If anything, Rassie Erasmus’s title-winning pack are starting to make everyone else look less intense by contrast. Both northern hemisphere teams both had their moments over the weekend but lacked entirely the same earthmovers that thoroughly overwhelmed the home side to rubble in the closing period. A number of talented young French forwards are developing but, by the final whistle, the encounter was a mismatch in experience.

What was perhaps even more striking was the psychological resilience supporting it all. In the absence of their lock forward – shown a red card in the first half for a shoulder to the head of the French full-back – the Boks could easily have faltered. Instead they simply united and proceeded to taking the deflated home team to what a retired hooker called “a place of suffering.”

Leadership and Inspiration

Post-game, having been hoisted around the Parisian stadium on the immense frames of the lock pairing to mark his 100th cap, the team leader, Siya Kolisi, repeatedly stressed how several of his team have been needed to rise above personal challenges and how he hoped his squad would similarly continue to inspire fans.

The insightful an analyst also made an astute point on broadcast, suggesting that Erasmus’s record increasingly make him the rugby coaching equivalent of the Manchester United great. Should the Springboks succeed in claim a third straight world title there will be no doubt whatsoever. In case they fail to achieve it, the smart way in which the mentor has refreshed a experienced team has been an masterclass to all.

Young Stars

Take for example his 23-year-old fly-half the newcomer who skipped over for the late try that effectively shattered the French windows. Or another half-back, a second half-back with lightning acceleration and an even sharper eye for a gap. Undoubtedly it helps to operate behind a dominant set of forwards, with André Esterhuizen adding physicality, but the steady transformation of the South African team from scowling heavyweights into a side who can also float like butterflies and strike decisively is hugely impressive.

Home Side's Moments

Which is not to say that France were utterly overwhelmed, in spite of their fading performance. The wing's second try in the far side was a good illustration. The set-piece strength that occupied the Bok forwards, the superb distribution from the full-back and the winger's clinical finish into the sideline boards all exhibited the hallmarks of a team with notable skill, despite missing their star man.

But even that in the end was inadequate, which is a daunting prospect for competing teams. It is inconceivable, for example, that the visitors could have trailed heavily to the Springboks and come galloping back in the way they did against the All Blacks. Notwithstanding the red rose's strong finish, there remains a gap to close before the England team can be confident of competing with the world's top team with everything on the line.

Northern Hemisphere Challenges

Beating an developing Fijian side posed difficulties on Saturday although the forthcoming clash against the New Zealand will be the match that truly shapes their autumn. The visitors are definitely still beatable, notably absent Jordie Barrett in their midfield, but when it comes to converting pressure into points they continue to be a step ahead the majority of the home unions.

The Scottish team were notably at fault of failing to hammer home the final nails and doubts still surround England’s perfect backline combination. It is acceptable performing in the final quarter – and far superior than fading in the closing stages – but their admirable winning sequence this year has so far shown just one success over top-drawer opposition, a narrow win over the French in the winter.

Looking Ahead

Therefore the significance of this next weekend. Interpreting the signals it would seem several changes are anticipated in the starting lineup, with experienced individuals coming back to the team. Up front, in the same way, first-choice players should all be back from the outset.

Yet perspective matters, in rugby as in reality. Between now and the upcoming world championship the {rest